Middle Eastern-Style Kale Salad

Although it isn’t technically summer yet according to the calendar, the 90+ degree temperature this week called for cool drinks and refreshing salads. This Middle Eastern kale salad fits the bill perfectly – with just enough zip to awaken your tastebuds, plenty of healthy ingredients to keep your energy level up, and a slightly sweet flavor that leaves you hankering for more.

Danielle is inspiring me in another way too – I discovered that she wears a Fitbit (as I do), she completed the Couch to 5K program earlier this year, and she has already moved on to the 10K program. I’ve been trying to step up my exercise game and I’m slowly working my way through a similar program (an app on your phone that you follow as you train), but haven’t yet completed the 5K module. Reading about her progress, I’m motivated to continue my training and re-double my efforts.

After washing and drying the kale, run the cut lemon over each kale leaf, front and back. Fold the leaves in half and cut off and discard the thick, center rib. Then roll 1-2 leaves up into a short cigar shape and cut it thinly into long strips. Don’t be concerned if the strips break; the idea is to make a pile of kale strands. If you have a bunch of extra pieces, pile them on top of each other, roll them, and treat them as you would a single leaf.

Put the kale in the large bowl. Squeeze the rest of the juice from the lemon onto the kale. and scrunch the kale with your hands for a few minutes. This massage will darken it and makes the kale sweeter, silkier, and less bitter.

Put the vinegar, honey, oil, salt, and ground pepper in the jar, cover and shake it vigorously for a 10-20 seconds. (If you don’t have a jar, whisk it in a small bowl.) Then pour the dressing over the kale, add the dates and walnuts, and toss the salad. Let the salad marinate for about 20-30 minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally.

Sounds fabulous to me! We are big Middle Eastern food fans here…since my late father in law was Lebanese, the kids have pretty much grown up on Middle Eastern food. And interestingly enough, kale is one of all of my kids favorite veggies. We’ll be trying this!